David Loyless has been appointed assistant vice president for resource development – a role in which he will help manage major gifts to the university.

David Loyless

He came to Rice in March from the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Foundation, where he was associate vice president of development for nearly four years and oversaw the strategic planning of a $1 billion campaign. He personally secured $7 million in charitable gifts during his first three years with the foundation.

Loyless will work with Associate Vice President for Resource Development Ben Renberg on regional and school-based major-gift fundraising efforts. His responsibilities include assisting with the development of the overall major-gifts fundraising strategy and managing a portfolio of potential high-level donors. Loyless will also lead, coach and mentor members of the Resource Development team.

“Throughout my career in development, I have admired Rice University for its exemplary instruction, innovative research and its contribution to community,” Loyless said. “The recent success of the Rice Centennial Campaign is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its faculty, staff, volunteers and donors, and the opportunity to be a part of such an accomplished institution is a genuine privilege.”

In addition to his success at OSU, Loyless’ 17 years of experience managing a prospect portfolio include serving as director of development in South Texas for Southern Methodist University (SMU), director for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, director of annual giving for Austin College and development officer for University of the Ozarks.

Loyless has a B.A. in economics from Austin College and an MBA with a concentration in management consulting and entrepreneurial strategy from the Cox School of Business at SMU. He is a member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has presented at several CASE District IV conferences and served for three years on the district’s New Professionals Committee.

Loyless and his wife, Jennifer, have two children: Ethan, 9, and Camden, 7.